Memorial Day is a significant holiday that honors and remembers the men and women who have served in the military. While it is important to educate the grandkids about the meaning behind Memorial Day, you can also engage them in fun activities and crafts that help them understand and appreciate the significance of this day. Here are some Memorial Day activities and crafts suitable for children:
Patriotic flag craft
- Materials: Construction paper (red, white, and blue), scissors, glue, star stickers or markers.
- Instructions:
- Cut a rectangle from the blue construction paper and glue it onto a larger piece of white construction paper.
- Cut strips of red construction paper and glue them horizontally across the white paper to create the flag’s stripes.
- Add star stickers or draw stars with markers on the blue rectangle to represent the stars on the flag.
- Discuss the meaning of the flag’s colors and the importance of patriotism.
Poppy Flower craft
- Materials: Red cupcake liners, black button, green pipe cleaner, scissors, glue.
- Instructions:
- Flatten the cupcake liner and fold it in half. Then fold it in half again to create a smaller folded shape.
- Cut a small slit in the center of the folded liner and poke the pipe cleaner through it, leaving a small loop at the end to prevent it from slipping out.
- Open up the cupcake liner to reveal the poppy shape and glue the black button in the center.
- Twist the pipe cleaner to create a stem and bend it as desired.
- Explain the significance of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers.
Thank you cards for veterans
- Materials: Cardstock or construction paper, markers, crayons, stickers, and any other decorative items.
- Instructions:
- Fold the cardstock or construction paper in half to create a card.
- Have children create heartfelt messages, drawings, or designs on the front of the card, expressing their gratitude to veterans.
- Encourage them to write a short message inside the card as well.
- These cards can be given to veterans or donated to local veterans’ organizations.
Memorial Day Parade
- If there’s a Memorial Day Parade in your town, definitely take the grandkids. If not, organize a mini parade in your backyard or neighborhood. Children can decorate their bikes, scooters, or wagons with patriotic colors and symbols.
- Provide small flags for children to wave as they parade around.
- Take a moment during the parade to explain the purpose and significance of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day Trivia Game
- Create a simple trivia game with questions related to Memorial Day and U.S. history.
- Research and prepare multiple-choice questions suitable for the age group of the children.
- Divide the children into teams and award points for correct answers.
- This game helps children learn interesting facts about Memorial Day and promotes discussion.
Here are some Memorial Day trivia questions and answers for your trivia game:
- Question: What does Memorial Day commemorate?
Answer: Memorial Day commemorates and honors the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. - Question: In which month is Memorial Day observed in the United States?
Answer: Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. - Question: Which war led to the establishment of Memorial Day?
Answer: Memorial Day was established following the American Civil War (1861-1865). - Question: True or False: Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day.
Answer: True. Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day because people would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. - Question: Which President declared Memorial Day a national holiday in 1971?
Answer: President Richard Nixon declared Memorial Day a national holiday on May 31, 1971. - Question: What time is the National Moment of Remembrance observed on Memorial Day?
Answer: The National Moment of Remembrance is observed at 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day. It is a moment to pause and remember the fallen. - Question: Which song is often played to honor fallen soldiers on Memorial Day?
Answer: “Taps” is a bugle call that is commonly played at military funerals and Memorial Day ceremonies. - Question: True or False: Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of the summer season in the United States.
Answer: True. Memorial Day is often associated with the beginning of summer, and many people enjoy outdoor activities and barbecues during the long weekend. - Question: What is the significance of wearing red poppies on Memorial Day?
Answer: Wearing red poppies is a tradition inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” and is a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers. - Question: What is the purpose of the National Memorial Day Parade held in Washington, D.C.?
Answer: The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. is a way to honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the military.
Feel free to use these questions and answers to create an engaging Memorial Day trivia game for your event or gathering. Adjust the difficulty level as needed for the age group of the participants.
Remember to use these activities and crafts as an opportunity to teach the grandchildren about the sacrifices and contributions of our military personnel. Encourage them to reflect on the importance of Memorial Day and show appreciation for those who have served our country.
